Helmeted Guineafowl

Our neighbour’s Helmeted Guineafowl on our property

Over the last 25 years I have observed well over a hundred different species of birds in our garden. I can’t give an exact number because my database is not up to date. I think it’s about 110. Some of the birds I have listed include introduced species (eg House Sparrow).

On at least two occasions in recent weeks we have had a visit from our neighbour’s Helmeted Guineafowl. We often hear them calling when we are out in the garden, but this is the first time we have actually seen them venture into our paddock.

I can’t include this as a species for my garden block list. Being domesticated birds they are not free living, so they can’t be included. In the photo below I managed to fluke taking a Galah in flight.

Helmeted Guineafowl are native to Africa. They eat insects and seeds and nest on the ground.  They are large birds which measure from 40-71 cm in length, and weigh 700-1600 g.

Our neighbour’s Helmeted Guineafowl in our paddock